Audi A7 Sportback

The 180kW 3.0 (litre) TDI remains remarkably quiet for a diesel and provides smooth and effortless progress, the latter helped considerably by a maximum torque figure of 500Nm that's delivered from 1400 to 3250rpm. Consumption of 6.0L/100km is also a standout figure for car that's bigger than a Commodore.

For those with a penchant for petrol, the 220kW supercharged V6 of the 3.0 TFSI model uses more fuel (8.2L/100km) but, according to Audi's claims, generates faster acceleration: 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds compared with the TDI's still-creditable 6.3sec.

Audi Australia is also considering a 2.8-litre V6 petrol, which if imported would complete a trio of A7s that each features start-stop technology and puts its power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that shifts quickly and seamlessly but retains the standing-start hesitancy common to this VW Group transmission.

Bigger vices shared with A4/A5, though, include the ride in sportier (optional) S-line trim, where the firmer, lower suspension starts to get busy as soon as there's the slightest downgrade in road surface quality.

A test of an A7 fitted with optional adaptive air suspension suggested its expected $3000 cost (same as for the A8 limo) would be a worthwhile investment. It brought a greater respite from the Sardinian roads in need of a good steam-rollering, though there was still some suspension thump over more pronounced bumps.

The sport part of the model's name also has more in keeping with the car's dynamic body shape than its abilities on winding roads.

While plenty competent through corners despite its noticeable 1.9m width, and proving to be less unwieldy than an A8, the A7 struggles to involve the driver - with the steering again a key culprit.

It's sufficiently precise, but the weighting is still too light and devoid of feedback.

The driver will feel a greater sense of connection with the A7's interior.

If there has been any concern that Audi interiors, despite their impeccable quality, were starting to stagnate in terms of design, the A7 allays such fears with a curvaceous evolution.